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Syria's failure to eliminate its stockpile of chemical weapons could lead to sanctions on the country, although these would need the backing of Russia and China who have so far refused to back measures against President Bashar al-Assad.

Only 4.1 per cent of the approximate 1,300 tonnes of chemical arms were reported by Damascus to the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), sources familiar with the matter told the news agency.

One source said: "It's not enough and there is no sign of more."

The internationally backed operation, which is overseen by a joint United Nations and OPCW mission, is now six to eight weeks behind schedule.

Damascus must show that it is still serious about giving up its stockpile of chemical weapons, the sources also told the news agency.